91 Ideas for What to Write in a Sympathy Card | Messages for Bereavement, Divorce or Illness
What should you write in a sympathy or condolence card?
In difficult times, it can be hard to find the right words to say. Whether the passing of a loved one, a cancer diagnosis or a terminal illness; such heart-breaking situations need to be handled delicately. But for our family, friends and colleagues experiencing tragedy, all that we seek is to bring them the slightest bit of comfort, peace or reassurance.
Whilst we cannot ease their pain, we can let them know that we are there for them. Any time. Day or night.
Until they're ready to talk, a sympathy or get well card can be a thoughtful way to offer your condolences or assistance. Different relations and circumstances will require different approaches.
These 90+ messages will hopefully give you some idea of what to write inside your card. Examples below can be combined or tweaked to your own requirements for a more personal touch.
Short but Meaningful Messages
Thinking of you at this difficult time
Sending you a great big hug
Please know that I am so sorry for your loss
If you need anything at all, we're here for you
Our thoughts are with you and your family
Sometimes, there are no words
There's another star in the sky tonight
Sending love to you with our deepest sympathy
When it rains, look for rainbows
They will forever be in our hearts
Life is brief but love is long
Take it one day at a time
The memories will always live on
Life can be so tough, but so are you
Special people leave this world having made it a better place
Things won't be this hard forever
No words. Just hugs.
We will get through this together
Sending you peace at this sad time
I'm so sorry that you're hurting
This is just to let you know that you're not on your own
Scroll down for even more condolence messages for specific situations such as loss of a parent, death of a husband or wife, stillbirth, divorce or illness.
Loss of a Husband or Wife
With heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your loved one
No one will ever replace the amazing person that your husband/wife was
The love that they had for you can never be taken away
My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time
We were lucky to have known your incredible husband/wife
Losses aren't meant to be endured alone - we are here for you
I only met your husband/wife a couple of times and they made a great impression on me
We're extremely shocked to hear of [NAME]'s passing. Thinking of you.
Loss of a Mother or Father
I'm so saddened to hear of the loss of your amazing mother/father
We will always have such fond memories of happy times shared
No matter where you are, they will always be watching over you
I hope you're able to find some peace remembering the good memories
A parent will always live on and be a guiding light to show us the way
Your mum/dad was a truly great woman/man who will be sorely missed
Our hearts are saddened to learn of your loss
We will remember and celebrate a truly extraordinary life lived
Your mother/father was one in a million and will always be with you
It can be a scary and confusing world without our parents but know that you are surrounded by love
Please know that we share your sadness as you say goodbye to a great woman/man
A parent's love is so powerful that it will live on forever
Loss of a Child/Stillborn Baby
Every footprint, however small, leaves a powerful impact on this world
Words seem to fail right now but we are so incredibly sorry for the loss of your child
Thinking of you and your precious baby boy/girl
Held only for a moment but loved for a lifetime and forever in our thoughts
Words cannot possibly end your heartache but we send you love and comfort at this difficult time
Life can be so incredibly cruel - know that we are only a phone call away
May you find the strength you need to get through each day
Our heart truly aches for you and your family
Your son/daughter was an incredible person. We will remember them always.
We can't imagine what you're going through but whatever you may need, we're here for you
So sorry for the loss of your amazing son/daughter. They brought love and joy to everyone.
Your little one was beyond special. Their shining personality and beaming smile with be deeply missed.
Life does not make sense and losing someone so young is hard to understand. Sending our love.
Your son/daughter's warmth and kindness touched everyone who knew them.
Heartwarming Poems, Verses & Quotes
Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal but love leaves a memory that no one can steal.
Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day.
Unseen. Unheard. But always near. Still loved. Still missed and always dear.
Grief never ends, but it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign a weakness nor a lack of faith.
It is the price of love.
Time cannot steal the treasures that we carry in our hearts,
Nor ever dim the shining thoughts our cherished past imparts,
For the memories of the ones we loved still cast a gentle glow,
To grace our days and light our paths, wherever we may go.
There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone, the light remains.
I can't promise to fix all of your problems but I can promise that you won't face them alone.
Even now, as broken as you may feel, you are still so strong.
There's something to be said for how you hold yourself together and keep moving,
even though you feel like shattering.
Don't stop.
This is your healing.
It doesn't have to be pretty, or graceful.
You just have to keep going.
- Maxwell Diawuch
Illness
Wishing you a restful, super speedy recovery
So sorry to hear that you're unwell. Hoping that you feel better very soon.
I wish I could make things better for you. Here if you need anything.
For every dark night, there is always a brighter day ahead
You are so incredibly brave - our thoughts are with you
Please ask if you would like some company next time you visit the hospital
We hope you're back on your feet again soon. Rest up!
Know that I'll be with you every step of the way
Sorry that you're feeling under the weather - take it easy
You will overcome this. Sending lots of love and healing thoughts your way.
I'm so sorry about your diagnosis. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Let me know if you ever want to talk - I'm here to listen
Just wanted to check in and say how much I love you
Divorce
Divorce isn't a tragedy - staying in an unhappy marriage is a tragedy
There's a difference between giving up and knowing you've had enough
Accept what is, let go of what was and have faith in what will be
You learn more about someone at the end of a relationship than at the beginning
When the wrong people leave your life, the right things start happening
Moving on doesn't mean forgetting - it means you choose happiness over hurt
Rock bottom is the solid foundation on which you can rebuild your life
Divorce never provides happiness - just the opportunity to find it again
If you're brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello
You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you've got
Walking away has nothing to do with weakness and everything to do with strength
Whatever you may choose to write, we've got a great selection of thoughtful sympathy & get well cards here including fold-out banner cards that are perfect for larger messages of condolence.
